What’s Behind America’s Baby Formula Shortage?

By

May 20, 2022

Categories

Video

Share

(NEW YORK) — U.S. stores are running low on baby formula. It has left parents of newborns scrambling to buy food for their children.

“It was scary when we first heard about it,” an expecting parent, Axelle, said next to an empty aisle normally stocked with baby formula. “We found a place near us so we got a couple of cans as like a safety net, so we’re just covering our bases.”

More than 40% of stores nationwide are reporting they are out of stock of all baby formula. That rate is even higher in some southern states. It’s forced some parents to drive to extensive lengths to find food for their children.

The shortage was preempted by a recall at the Sturgis, Michigan Abbott manufacturing facility. The FDA has been in correspondence with Abbott to tighten security protocols and restart production. Just yesterday, the company and the FDA announced a plan to reopen the facility in hopes to ease the shortage.

The FDA is also publicly encouraging the importation of safe infant formula.

“The FDA is leaving no stone unturned to further increase the availability of infant formula,” FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf said. “We are doing everything in our power as part of the all-of-government efforts to ensure there’s adequate product available wherever and whenever parents and caregivers need it.”

Related Posts

A poster promoting Taylor Swift's new album, "The Life of a Showgirl."

October 16, 2025

San Antonio Fans Pledge Support for Taylor Swift’s New Album

Dozens of fans gathered at San Antonio's Regal Alamo Quarry movie theatre on Oct. 3 for the official release party for Taylor Swift’s new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”

Aisle of Building Products Retail Store

October 13, 2025

Housing Slowdown Impacts Dallas Building Products Retail Demand

The post-pandemic housing boom brought pronounced gains to Dallas. Since early 2022, however, Dallas has faced an outsized downturn. This slowdown affects not only real estate agents, potential home buyers and sellers, and homebuilders, but also small local retailers.